Report: Newcastle interested in Argentina wonderkid Alan Velasco

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French outlet Foot Mercato have claimed Newcastle United are interested in raiding Argentine giants Independiente for 17-year-old wonderkid Alan Velasco – and could be signed due to he attacker’s bargain release clause.

Velasco is already being considered one of the most exciting products to come out of Argentina in his generation, with the versatile attacker clocking up 10 senior appearances for Independiente.

Able to play on either flank or even as a striker, the teenager already has five caps to his name with Argentina’s Under-17 side. Newcastle have been lured to his attention, while French clubs Lyon and Monaco are also keen.

It is believed that Newcastle have not been put off by the player’s eight-figure release clause – which is believed to be worth in the region of £14.5million. He has a contract with the Argentine outfit until the summer of 2022.

The vice president of Independiente, Pablo Moyano, has recently told Soy Del Rojo that he is hopeful Velasco can be the club’s next Sergio Aguero: “God willing, Velasco is going to be the future Kun Agüero.”

TBR’s view – Newcastle scouting team cracking on

The Toon remain the subject of an impending takeover but with no date set and no approval from the Premier League as of yet, Newcastle are now less than two weeks away from the transfer window opening.

It means the club need to begin work on securing potential targets despite a takeover yet to be completed – with owner Mike Ashley likely to be unwilling to spend money, given he is about to sell the club.

But Velasco could be a sign that the Toon’s scouting department is still looking for targets.